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News Brief on
Grow Your Own Initiatives
January 2026
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 We look forward to a rewarding new year as we ring in 2026!
The news brief on Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives is disseminated monthly to share critical information across the state on our various GYO programs, as well as updates on other education-related news.
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 Update on State PTP
As previously announced, the state Para-to-Teacher Program (PTP) is currently full. However, there continues to be turnover in the program. For a variety of reasons, participants are unable to fulfill the requirements and relinquish their scholarship. Therefore, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) encourages any paraprofessionals that are interested in the program to submit an application to be included on the waitlist. In December alone, 19 paraprofessionals from the waitlist received a scholarship. Visit the PTP website at to learn more or access the application here.
Addressing Teacher Recruitment and Retention
North Dakota continues to tackle teacher recruitment and retention challenges. NDDPI and the Education Standards & Practices Board (ESPB) have joined the National Working Group on Teacher Retention and participate in monthly collaborative calls facilitated by Upbeat, a K-12 education research organization. The December meeting focused on research examining the link between fall teacher engagement scores and spring student achievement in math.
The research brief can be accessed here.
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 Save the Date: National Apprenticeship Week
The week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, is National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). This nationwide celebration is where ApprenticeshipUSA partners host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeships. The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) coordinates NAW in order to promote Registered Apprenticeship in accordance with the National Apprenticeship Act (50 Stat. 664; 29 U.S.C. 50).
Teacher Certification Reimagined
Preparing students for college and career success remains a national priority. In December 2025, College Board and the Carnegie Foundation launched a joint initiative to expand the teacher pipeline for career-connected coursework. This effort aims to modernize certification pathways and pilot new professional learning models in high-demand fields. Together, the organizations are forming a multi-state coalition to co-design innovative certification routes and reimagine educator training and support for teaching high school courses that prepare students for college and careers.
We are excited to share that a North Dakota team, including representatives from the North Dakota Career & Technical Education (NDCTE), NDDPI and ESPB have been invited to participate in this initiative.
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 An Innovative Approach to Team-Teaching
NDDPI, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), is exploring ASU’s Next Education Workforce model, which reimagines how educators collaborate and deliver instruction through team-based staffing. The approach features lead teachers guiding educator teams that share responsibility for student support, instructional planning, and delivery.
Last fall, a group of North Dakota educators visited ASU to see the model in action. ASU’s communications team published a story on North Dakota's experience
Access the story here.
General Education Paraprofessional Certification Available to High School Students
High school students across North Dakota can now jumpstart their education careers by earning the General Paraprofessional Certificate. This credential provides a strong foundation in educational practices and allows students to contribute meaningfully in their schools and communities. It also signals an early commitment to the profession and prepares students for a rewarding future helping young learners succeed.
How to Earn the Certificate
Students can complete the certificate through one of three pathways:
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Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathway
- Teaching Professional (09041)
- Educational Methodology (09042)
- Cooperative Work Experience (09299)
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General Education Pathway
- Teaching Professional (20084)
- Educational Methodology (20085)
- Educational Workplace Experience (20086)
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Combined Pathway
- Any combination of two or more of the six courses listed above
The application process is simple through ND Teach. Students must submit a high school report card or transcript showing successful completion of the required courses.
For questions, contact Kelsie Molesworth at (701) 328-4571.
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Principal Apprenticeship Program Highlights |
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 Webinar Held on Registered Principal Apprenticeships
The National Center for Grow Your Own (NCGYO) is an organization dedicated to supporting aspiring educators through Grow Your Own programs and registered apprenticeships. They sponsored a webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, to hear about the K-12 principal registered apprenticeship programs happening in Alaska, North Dakota and Virginia. All three states are members of the National Registered Apprenticeship in Teaching State Network.
Access the recording here.
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 Principal Apprenticeship Program Highlighted in UND Newsletter
The University of North Dakota’s online newsletter, UND Today, spotlighted the Principal Apprenticeship Program in its December edition. Author Janell Vonasek highlighted the innovative partnership between the state, university, and local school districts designed to prepare aspiring educational leaders across North Dakota.
Read full article here.
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NDDPI & ESPB RAP-T Apprentice Support
NDDPI and ESPB continue to support Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers (RAP-T) participants by incorporating feedback from paraprofessionals, preparation providers, and local districts. All enrolled apprentices are eligible for funding to cover Praxis assessments, background checks, and North Dakota teacher licensure fees.
In partnership with the ESPB, apprentices will receive digital vouchers for one administration each of the Core, Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), and content-specific Praxis exams required for licensure. Background check costs for paraprofessionals will also be covered. Upon completion of their preparation program, NDDPI’s grant will pay the licensure fee.
Learn more about this opportunity for North Dakota apprentices here.
Genius Hour Empowers North Dakota’s Future Teachers
As part of its ongoing effort to strengthen the educator pipeline, the Genius Hour continues to support teacher apprentices across North Dakota. Now in its second year, this virtual mentoring series helps participants navigate licensure while balancing roles as paraprofessionals, aspiring teachers, and caregivers.
Facilitated by Dr. Becky Pitkin, Director of ESPB, the Genius Hour fosters collaboration, confidence, and connection—key ingredients for long-term success in the classroom.
Upcoming Genius Hour Sessions at 3:30 p.m. CST
Join the conversation, build your network, and grow your skills—one Genius Hour at a time.
Openings Remain for ND's RAP-T Program
Led by NDDPI, North Dakota's RAP-T has grown from a single-district pilot to a statewide initiative involving 46 school districts. In partnership with six Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs), the RAP-T supports paraprofessionals in becoming licensed teachers through coursework, mentoring, and academic support.
Below is a list of EPPs with available openings and contact information:
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QUESTIONS?
This monthly newsbrief is a collaborative partnership between NDDPI and the ESPB. Questions can be addressed to the following:
Laurie Matzke, Chief of Program Development & Growth, NDDPI
lmatzke@nd.gov at (701) 328-2284
Dr. Rebecca Pitkin, Executive Director, ESPB
rpitkin@nd.gov at (701) 328-9646
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